From the Council President
What Are You Thankful For?
By Heather Lerch · Council President
President’s Message
Reflecting on Our Blessings
“What are you thankful for? Do different things come to mind when you view it from different areas of your life: family, congregation member, at work, or with friends?”
Saint Matthew’s congregation has many blessings, but most of all is you! Each member contributes in their own unique way to create the welcoming community we all cherish. During this month, I ask that you take a moment to thank another member. Perhaps the person in your pew always makes you smile with their warm greeting, or you notice someone who always goes above and beyond in our ministries.
The Call Process
I know that many, myself included, have expressed gratitude for Tom Coceano as he assumed the task of information gathering for our Ministry Site Profile (MSP). He created and compiled the outlets for all of us to have our voices heard about how we view our church and what we want for the future of SMLC.
Next steps in the transition
1
November: The Ministry Site Profile (MSP) will be officially submitted.
2
Next: Identify and establish our congregational call committee.
3
Then: The Bishop meets with Council and the committee to review the MSP.
4
After: The Bishop and staff identify, interview, and select a candidate for nomination.
Thank you all for your continued prayers for Saint Matthew and all our members during this time of transition. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions about this process.
Online Safety
Are YOU Cyber-Safe?
October was Cybersecurity Awareness Month. As technology plays a growing role in our daily lives and ministries, what are some essential steps you can take to keep your personal data safe online?
1
Use strong passwords (at least 16 characters) mixing letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid common words or names.
2
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible so accounts require a code sent to your phone.
3
Keep operating systems and antivirus software up to date to stay protected against emerging cyber threats.
Have IT questions? Contact Harrison Kutalek, IT Administrator at SMLC
How Saint Matthew Protects Data
Saint Matthew relies on secure online and on-premises services for our day-to-day operations. To safeguard our congregation’s information:
- We require two-factor authentication for all sensitive administrative systems.
- We utilize secure cloud services to regularly back up church information.
- We strictly manage access to our digital systems on an as-needed basis.
Read more in The Messenger
These stories appear on pages 4 and 7 of the November 2026 issue.